The Totally Unofficial Guide to Seattle Pride

Seattle Pride certainly has a different timbre after the events in Orlando. Even before that, with talk around competing Pride festivals and corporate sponsor mismanagement, there’s a different, more conflicted feeling in the air than when we celebrated national gay marriage last year.

Still, we continue to move forward and there are obviously plenty of battles still to fight, so Seattle Pride remains as relevant as ever. Now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate who you are and not feel scared or ashamed.

But what about everything else? There are a ton of parties, events and happenings around Seattle celebrating Pride Weekend. We’ve collected the best of the best (in my humble opinion) to provide you a personalized guide to the unofficial events of Seattle Pride. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list, so if we miss your favorite event, feel free to list it in the comments. I’ve also avoided listing any events that are already sold out (Nark’s Pride Cruise and the Totally Gay Sing-Along).

Pride powers activate!

All Weekend

RPlace Pride Lineup
RPlace (619 E Pine St, Seattle)

RPlace often hosts RuPaul’s Drag Race favorites, and this Pride features a fantastic lineup: Jujubee, Latrice Royale and Seattle’s own Robbie Turner (Robbie Turner only appears Saturday), along with porn star Jimmy Durano. There are both VIP and general admission tickets available.

Pony has events Friday, Saturday ($5 cover) and all day Sunday (free until 5pm), with talent such as Jackie Hell, Adé and Cookie Couture. Celebrate Pride at one of the more unique LGBT venues on the hill!

A diverse mix of talent featuring more RuPaul queens: Raja for the Wednesday 6/22 kickoff party and Trixie Mattel on Thursday 6/23. Other talent includes DJ Blacklow Friday 6/24, DJ Freddy King of Pants, DJ Skiddle and the Perry Twins 6/25, and VJ Art Ruiz on 6/26.

Wednesday, June 22

100% of the proceeds of this event will be donated to Equality Florida’s fund supporting the victims of and those affected by the Pulse Nightclub murders. So donate to a great cause and enjoy some great music from DJs Riff Raff, Reverend Dollars and Miss Shelrawka and performances by Boom Boom L’Roux, Ebo Barton, Ms. Briq House, The Lady B, Sarah Galvin and Whitney Mongé.

Thursday, June 23

Bianca del Rio is always a hilarious treat to watch, and Peaches Christ is reliably funny too. Come see this theatrical showcase of these two queens and some amazing local talent. Two performances, 7pm and 9pm, as well as VIP meet and greet opportunities. Wear your best child star couture!

The deliciously decadent underground sex.wav party is having their first pride ever! Wear your loudest sexiest gayest outfits. Featuring DJ’s Maxx Destruckt and Mister Sister(Marcus Wilson). Cherry Sur Bête will be back from Los Angeles along with hosts Hilt and Siobhan. Mercury@machinewerks is a private, all volunteer staffed, club for members and their guests. he staff works hard so you don’t have to. $how ’em you love ’em!

Friday, June 24

Tammie Brown from RuPaul’s Drag Race and drag queen/performance artist Christeene highlight Nark’s yearly event, raising money for Gay City Health Project, Orlando victim relief funds, and more. There will be VIP meet and greets and tons of other performers and guests. Queer hipsters and drag aficionados, you’ve found your home for the evening.

It’s hard to go wrong at this Pride edition of Nark’s popular party, with guest DJs Jay Douglas from Vancouver and Jens Irish from Portland. Our favorite pups Bolt and Amp will be onsite, along with haircuts, DIY darkrooms (for a little old-style Eagle fun). This will be reliably fun and wall-to-wall packed (show up on the early side, maybe?).

9PM: Bearracuda PRIDE Seattle
Chop Suey (1325 E Madison St)
$10 / 21+

Always a good time for the bears and those who love them, Bearracuda features DJ Matt Consola from SF and DJ Matt Stands. Go-go boys, dancing and the usual shenanigans.

Verotica has hosted some big name DJs recently such as Joe Gauthreaux, and this time their
headliner is DJ Nina Flowers, RuPaul’s Drag Race runner-up and accomplished DJ. If your idea of
Pride is shirtless, sweaty men and great beats, this could be the venue for you.

Saturday, June 25

Love is the Message is an all-ages party to celebrate black LBGTQI communities and families, featuring DJ Riz Rollins, Our Lady J, and a ton of other fantastic performers. From their description: “This event celebrates and is centered in our blackness, but it does not mean you cannot party with us.”

There are tons of drag queen shows this weekend, but this is the drag king show to check out! This should be a fantastic event and a portion of proceeds go to Stonewall Youth as well as to the “We Stand With Pulse” fund towards the costs in Orlando. Your ticket also gets you into the Kiss Off queer woman’s dance party happening before and after featuring Princess Superstar and lots of other performers, for LGBTQ and allies!

Bend your gender and win prizes! There’s no cover for this party at this LGBT-friendly gaming venue featuring cosplay, drag and especially crossplay, so grow out your beard and practice walking in heels (or whatever crossplay means to you)! Hosted by the Seattle Cosplay Community.

Tribe Entertainment debuts on the gay nightlife scene – while the company is new, the promoter worked on the fantastic Ruff party last year and other events at the Eagle, and his enthusiasm is infectious. Also Nick Bertossi is a great Vancouver DJ, alongside Mike Sniffen and headliner Dan De Leon, and James Majesty hosts the festivities.

Sunday, June 26

The Cuff is really hard to beat as a Pride destination. They have an incredible line-up of entertainment, including Alaska Thunderfuck and Martha Wash. Pro tip: stop by the Cuff before you go to the parade to get your wristband, otherwise you’ll be waiting in line at the door. This is a PACKED venue pretty much all day. Always a good time though!

Finish off your weekend by getting to 2nd base! This is the Pride edition of Nark’s popular party, where you can make out (which you want to do anyway) for a free Jello shot, with porn star go-go boy Bennett Anthony and DJs James Cerne and Tane.

About The Author

Eric Starker is a local writer, community manager, social media manager and fellow about town. He is involved locally in a number of areas of the queer scene, most notably as one of the founders of the popular social/networking group Queer Geek.